NEP-2020, landmark step towards promoting education in mother tongue

Language is a key element of culture. As poet Acharya Dandi said, "If the light of language does not exist, we will be groping in a dark world."

- Satnam Singh Sandhu

Having over 19,500 dialects, India is a linguistic treasure trove and the most multilingual country in the world.

But as 96% of the Indian population speaks at least one of the 22 official languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution and only 121 major languages are spoken by 10,000 or more people in India, India tops Unesco's list of nations with the highest number of dialects on the verge of extinction with languages like Madhika, spoken by the Chakaliya community, as well as the Great Andamanese languages, Toda, and Balti, facing severe decline.

However, as we observe International Mother Language Day on February 21, it is encouraging to recognise the commitment of the Government of India to promoting Indian languages during the past 10 years.

Landmark National Education Policy, 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership after 34 years, has been a transformative step in promoting Indian languages as it emphasises teaching in the mother tongue or local language up to Class 5 and, wherever possible, up to Class 8. According to the Unified District Information System for Education Plus 2020-21, teaching in grades 1 to 5 is already taking place in 28 languages.

Studies worldwide show that learning in one's mother tongue boosts understanding, cognitive development, and confidence. Countries like Switzerland and Singapore thrive by promoting native languages, with regional languages and bilingual policies enhancing student performance and growth. In the Netherlands, Dutch is the primary language in childcare, with bilingual schools offering English, contributing to both educational success and the happiness of children.